Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Done!

I finished and submitted the last book in the McKettrick Men trilogy--Keegan's story, "McKettrick's Heart". I was so touched by these stories--all of them had some element from my own life--my deep love for animals, for instance. Finishing was both a triumph and a heart-rending good-bye. When I complete a story, I always feel like a mother sending her children off to college.

Off to Vancouver tomorrow, to visit the movie set! We'll be taking lots of pictures, and you can expect them to appear on the website soon.

Sadie is in the dog-house. She got into the treat cupboard in the pantry last night and ate half a bag of Beggin' Strips. No wonder she wasn't up for breakfast this morning!

Downstairs, folks are getting things ready for a family barbeque. It's a wonderful blessing to hear those dear, familiar voices, talking about ordinary things.

As you know, if you've been reading the blog, my uncle, Jack Wiley, passed away day before yesterday. And what do I treasure most? Memories of his mischievous, crooked smile, and that impish look that came into his eyes when he was telling tall tales. And I remember the sound of his voice, talking to other dear people, now go on, about ordinary things.

Treasure the ordinary things. They are precious.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Jack Wiley

Jack Wiley, honorary uncle and cherished friend of the Lael family, passed away today.

By now, he's home on the ranch, as he loved and remembered it.

Gramma is calling him in to supper.

Grampa will want more wood carried in for the fire first.

Godspeed, dear uncle.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Auntie's Tonight!

I'll be at Auntie's Book Store, in beautiful downtown Spokane, tonight at 7:30. I surely hope to see some of you there.

For those of you who've been asking how to get signed copies of my books, Auntie's is your answer. We'll be putting all necessary info on the website very soon. Auntie's will have a signed supply of each new book, available as soon as it comes out.

In the meantime, I'm on the homestretch with "McKettrick's Heart", and getting ready to visit the movie set where my friend, Josanne Lovick, producer extraordinaire, is filming an adaptation of my very own "The Last Chance Cafe"! We're even bringing in our dear mutual friend, Pastor Jean, to bless the production.

The movie is wonderful, but the friends are the greater blessing. I've known Jean for almost thirty years--and what a history we have.

Be blessed. And have a wonderful weekend.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

More McKettricks Today

I'm on the homestretch with "McKettrick's Heart"--and what a heart Keegan McKettrick has!

I'll be writing Chapter 12 today, and although I know in general what will happen, Keegan and Molly have a way of surprising me, just as Jesse and Cheyenne did. And Rance and Echo.

Yesterday, I visited a local lake--there are something like 70 lakes around Spokane--and I fell in love. I'm in the market for a lake house, and I'll keep you posted.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Up to My Eyeballs in McKettricks!

I'm sorry I missed blogging yesterday. Those McKettricks are REALLY keeping me busy! Things are heating up big-time in modern-day Indian Rock, where this trilogy is set.

In the midst of all this, a dear uncle is wrapping up the last days of a truly good life. We will miss him, one of our pair of Jacks, but we also know he will love the New Place. I think he'll be back on the ranch, as he remembers it, with Gramma cooking one of her savory suppers at the old wood-burning cook stove, and Grampa ready to spin one of his wonderful limericks.

As if these things weren't enough, my Lifetime TV movie, "The Last Chance Cafe", is about to begin filming in Vancouver. I hope to make a flying visit to the set on my way to Atlanta, for this year's Romance Writers of America conference. And the minute I get home, I'll be writing "A Wanted Man", Rowdy's book, which is the sequel to "The Man from Stone Creek" and very likely the beginning of a whole new series--about a family of outlaws!

No rest for the wicked. And none for ME, either, apparently!

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Look out! The McKettricks are coming!

I got a good day's work in yesterday. My gosh, it's a powerful story, (McKettrick's Heart) full of intense emotion and misguided passions. These McKettricks! Yeesh, I need to double up on my vitamins!

Now, it's back to the story, and I'm running a little late, because I slept in, exhausted from a mega-dose of McKettrickism.

I love their passion, though. I love their rock-solid committment to what they believe is right. I love the way they fight among themselves, but God help the outsider who tries to hurt one of them.

Writing this series, as I've said before, is like holding on for dear life to the back of a runaway stagecoach. I've got a good grip, though, and even the McKettricks could learn a few things from me when it comes to determination.

Watch the road for this series. It's likely to come tearing into town, like the stagecoach it is, with no sparing the horses. Write it on your calendar--"McKettrick's Luck", February of 07, "McKettrick's Pride", March, and "McKettrick's Heart", April. Then hitch up your skirts, Ma'am, and jump right on board. You're going to love the ride!

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy!

Okay, I wasn't born on the fourth of July, for those of you who remember the old song.

But I love this country, and I'll never miss a chance to say so.

God bless the U.S.A.

And God bless the brave ones, the men and women who defend us all, whether here at home or in foreign countries.

And one more thing, God. Please bring them all home, soon.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Working and Loving It

I'm working this week--including tomorrow, which is one of my favorite holidays. Lest you feel sorry for me, don't. Writing "McKettrick's Heart" is such a pleasure, I can barely tear myself away.

Meanwhile, pop those firecrackers. Eat that watermelon.

We are an independent people, however imperfect, and we have a great deal to celebrate.

Freedom.

One nation, under God.

What a concept.

And just because we haven't gotten it exactly right yet--should we worry?

NO. Freedom is a process. We are the better for our every effort to move in the right direction.

Let others say what they will. Many good people have died to preserve that privilege. America--I say it's beautiful.

(And lighten up on the Dixie Chicks a little, folks. They're young, they're sometimes stupid, like the rest of us. They're also unbelievably talented. This is the land of second chances, after all.)